Research demonstrates that lesbians have increased risk of some illness compared to other women.  It is not your sexuality itself that puts you at a higher health risk but the social factors that surround it. Being lesbian is not the health risk but social factors associated with it are.

Lesbians are at increased risk of illness because statistically they

• Have less frequent health checks;
• Are more likely to have poorer screening for cervical and breast cancer;
• Have a false belief they have “immunity” against particular sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cancers because of their sexuality.
• Are less likely to have given birth or breast-fed;
• Delay child bearing until their 30s;
• Have less need for long-term use of oral contraception;
• Have higher rates of long-term use of substances including tobacco, drugs and alcohol.

General Health Issues

Tobacco, Alcohol and Recreational Drugs

Research on lesbian and bisexual women would indicate they have a tendency to overuse alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.  Hypotheses for these problems include the importance of lesbian bars for a social life, the use of substances to cope with stress, the social norms of the community and the lack of culturally appropriate treatment centres for this population (EMT Associates, 1991).  There is also evidence that the use of alcohol by lesbian and bisexual women does not decrease with age as it does with heterosexual women (Valanis, Bowen, Bassford, Whitlock, Charney & Carter, 2000).

• 65% had some experience of drug taking
• 21% have systematically used drugs (i.e. on more than 60 occasions)
• 56% have had some history of taking cannabis
• 46% engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse attributed to drug taking.

Cancer Risk and Cervical Screening

Many doctors incorrectly assume that their lesbian patients do not require a cervical smear because they are in a low-risk category, presuming that they have had no sex with males or could not themselves transmit the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, most lesbians have had sex with men (Dolan, 2005) and HPV can also be transmitted by exclusive lesbian sexual contact (O’Hanlon & Crum, 1996).

Low risk does not mean NO risk, if you’ve reached the age of 18, whether you are sexually active or not you should have a cervical smear test. If your doctor advises you against this he or she is wrong.

NHS Cervical Screening Programme - Information on Cervical screening for lesbian and bisexual women.

Lesbian Experience of Domestic Abuse

While the majority of issues will be the same for same sex domestic abuse as for heterosexual people e.g. undermining self-esteem, violence etc., there are a range of other ways that perpetrators  attack and abuse LGBT people with whom they have a family, partner or other intimate relationship (Cynthia 1995).  See more info on domestic violence.

Emotional Health

Lesbianism or bisexuality in itself does not result in psychological or personality problems.  However, research indicates that the stress that lesbians and bisexual women face may lead to mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety or various forms of acting out especially during the beginning stages of identity formation (Ross, Paulsen & Stalstrom, 1988).

What about the sex bit?

Jumping into bed with women might be the way for you, or taking your time and meeting the right person might be your preferred way to do things there are just a few points to remember before you do anything:

Don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Remember it’s your life and you should do things at your own pace. NEVER let anyone pressurise you into doing anything you don’t want to do.

BE SAFE. Remember some STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections) can be transferred orally, through touch and through intercourse. The best way to stay safe is to talk to your partner, find out if they have any STI’s and let them know if you do. Use dental dams and condoms on toys if you are unsure.

There is little or no evidence that lesbian and bi-sexual women are less or more susceptible to STI’s than heterosexual women.

Have fun – there’s no point doing it if you’re not enjoying it.

For more information and downloads on lesbian and bi-sexual women’s health see the links to the right and consider asking your doctor for more information.